Need a Lightweight Mo-Co Slider? The $500 Nebo is the Lightest One in the World

There's no doubt about it -- a well-done, well-placed motion shot can make your project look like a million bucks (or that it cost that much to make, at least). There are all sorts of relatively inexpensive tools out there that can do a wide range of jobs, from simple pans and tilts to complicated motion-controlled slides for time-lapse pieces, but not spending a ton of money isn't the only thing on an indie filmmaker's wishlist (though it's probably at the top). Documentarians filming Alpine ibexes in the European Alps, narrative filmmakers whose day of shooting includes multiple locations, and me, a very, very lazy individual, look for gear that is not only on the cheap side, but also lightweight and portable.

Edelkrone does a fantastic job offering filmmakers lightweight, portable, and affordable camera gear, like their super tiny Pocket Slider, but if you want to branch out, or just see what else is out there, then you might want to take a look at the Nebo, which offers some great features, including being the lightest motion control slider in the world. The folks at Capture Beyond Limits, who specialize in portable, lightweight gear, are running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for manufacturing, and like most gear campaigns, pledges are basically pre-orders.

But before we get to the Nebo's features and specs, here's a video to get the two of you acquainted:

And here are some sample shots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGZxr7O0ke0

And finally, here's CBL to show you how quick it is to set the rig up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dlYsfIKwZE

Key Features

2.3 lbs. (non-motorized); 3.2 lbs. (motorized)

40" rails break down into two 20" sections (fits into a carry-on)

Quick setup

Center mount

Use it with one tripod, two tripods, or directly on the ground

Works at up to 60 degree angles

Variable speed

Special Kickstarter price

Technical Specifications

CBL is offering the Nebo in several versions:

Manual Slider ($500)

Motion Controlled Slider ($700)

Motion Controlled Slider with Feisol CB-50D Ball Head ($850)

They also offer bundling options that include a tripod and travel backpack, but the price gets pretty steep when you get into that territory. However, buying during the Kickstarter campaign will save you about $200. So, if you're planning on snatching one up, now might be the time to do it.

I was seriously thinking to order it but if you look at the videos and the gif timelapse with the various cameras installed -its at the kickstart page near the bottom- you will propably notice that the slider is flexing way too much in its travel regardless of the load.Seems like the pulley is causing it to bend and flex slightly over time.Unless i see a real time video of weight being applied to the slider,supported by 2 tripods or a timelapse of it in action i wont risk it.And its a shame,this is exactly what i wanted at this price.

I was thinking the same thing, George. It's just *not* as smooth as I'd want it. The first video got me hooked. The second video threw me back in the water. You can clearly see it slightly jerk out of motion, multiple times. The price is f***ing great--and sorry if I'm being picky here--but what's smooth in my mind is 100%.

Unless there is no piece left at 650 then the price is 700 (havent checked the kickstarter page at this point to see how many purchased with the 650 option) .Yes it seems to be flexing thats for sure.Another option i am considering is the Zenslider.But all these new motion control slders that are coming out are very cryptic in their specs description.No mention of vertical load,useful travel distance,power drainage,cryptic mounting options,not enough pictures/videos etc.i will wait for a more realistic low to medium cost motion control system from someone who is clear, specific, and honest about what his product can or can not do.

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